USAGPAN 2019

zander1991 · Nov 15, 2018

For those who personally messaged me with questions, please send me your email address and I can email a response. Hang in there! The transition is stressful, but I assure you that learning comes quickly and you will adapt.

hoekan01 · Nov 15, 2018

To add a couple of pointers...try your best to be in San Antonio before your home goods arrive. More things than normal tend to get "lost" or broken when things end up in storage for awhile. If you're there when things get loaded into the truck and are there when they are removed from that truck to your home, it saves the extra jostle of unloading into a warehouse (with who knows how many other peoples' things) and being reloaded at time of delivery (not to mention, you're not at the warehouse to supervise).

In terms of field uniforms, it can save a lot of money to see if anyone is selling an old uniform. Look on Facebook, join (or have your spouse join) a wives page or 2 for Fort Sam, and just ask if anyone is selling a used uniform. In your first 3 years, you're only going to be in the field for less than 20 days total. No need to buy a brand new uniform for that

ICU:RN-AAC · Nov 28, 2018

Hi everyone,

I'll be joining the USAGPAN 2019 cohort as a direct commission. I have a few questions regarding moving logistics and timeline.

1) After commissioning into the Army, how long does it typically take to receive orders. I'm curious if there will be ample time to give a full two-weeks notice to my employer, as well as, notice to our landlord?

2) Does benefits/pay start directly after you are commissioned into the Army?

3) In regards to housing: Do you suggest making a separate trip down to San Antonio to secure a place and then move the family, or would it be easier (more cost effective) to head down and find a place once we arrive? With on-base housing, do you know how it is determined the size of the house? We are still not sure if it makes more sense to stay on base or off.

4) I'm not familiar with the San Antonio area at all and would like to find a decent neighborhood for my family to live. Preferably, one that's not too far of a commute. Any suggestions on areas or apartments?

Thanks!

DRC6262 · Dec 1, 2018

Hi everyone! And congratulations to all those that have been accepted! I know it's quite a rollercoaster. I'm part of FY18 USAGPAN and just wanted to say hi. If you have any questions pertaining to what's next and what to expect when you arrive, DCC or BOLC please send me a message. I'll do my best to respond in a timely manner. Hope you're all doing well, andI I'm looking forward to meeting you!

DRC6262 · Dec 2, 2018

Hi there and congratulations!
1) After commissioning into the Army, how long does it typically take to receive orders. I'm curious if there will be ample time to give a full two-weeks notice to my employer, as well as, notice to our landlord?
So this all depends on the scrolling process. Some people were able to move to San Antonio in December, some had to literally drive straight to Fort Sill for DCC. I got my orders in late January. It just depends. I worked out a deal with my manager in which I gave official notice, but she held on to it until I knew I was leaving. Starting in January they literally put me on the schedule on a week-to-week basis. You may not have the two weeks later on. As far as housing, my lease had a military clause in it, so I told them like 30 days out, but didn't know the "when" exactly.
2) Does benefits/pay start directly after you are commissioned into the Army?
No, you probably won't get paid for 2-3 weeks after signing in. You'll have to get in processed and if you're lucky, you'll get that done before the next pay day cut off. It took some a month to get money. They will however, offer you an interest free pay advance, take it! And take it all! That should deposit in your account pretty quickly. You'll just pay it back over a year (they take it out automatically). As far as benefits, again probably after you sign in. That will get the ball rolling and you can start getting your family registered, etc.
3) In regards to housing: Do you suggest making a separate trip down to San Antonio to secure a place and then move the family, or would it be easier (more cost effective) to head down and find a place once we arrive? With on-base housing, do you know how it is determined the size of the house? We are still not sure if it makes more sense to stay on base or off.
So, I took the chance and found my place online. I was lucky enough to have a friend out here to check it out for me. I live at Urban Crest Apartments. Anyway, this one is entirely on you. My husband is active duty as well, and he stayed behind so I just got a one-bedroom for myself. It just didn't make sense to live on post in my case. However, it may for you. I'm not entirely sure what rent is for a family home out here, mine is about $1200, but I do know this apartment complex is a little on the expense side. I think on base they determine the size of the house based on the number of dependents. The benefits of on post is that it's close. And you don't have to worry about deposites, utilities, rent, etc. If you do come down with the family up front, I suggest making a reservation at one of the on-post hotels (Candlewoon Inn or Powless Guest House) in advance. You will have to pay out of pocket for this and get reimbursed later. You should be authorized 10 days, I never took the ten days bc I had such short notice coming down here. But I kept the receipt and was reimbursed for it. If you coordinate a few places to look at before coming down, it could be feasible to bring the family with you and find a place within that time frame. No mind you, you'll be gone for a month to DCC, so it may be better to bring them after if you don't want to leave them here by themselves.
4) I'm not familiar with the San Antonio area at all and would like to find a decent neighborhood for my family to live. Preferably, one that's not too far of a commute. Any suggestions on areas or apartments?
So I live in an area called Terrell Hills which is near Alamo Heights. I think the neighborhood is just find and I'm within 10 min from where I need to be on post. Some people live much further away because of school districts, I don't have kids, so I don't know much about that part. As mentioned above, I live at Urban Crest Apartments which are pretty nice, but it is apartment living, and includes all that comes with that!
Hope this helps!

ICU:RN-AAC · Dec 2, 2018

Thanks! This is very helpful.

I'll take a look at the Alamo Heights apartments.